First Alabama Death Related to Vaping Injury
A man from East Alabama is the state’s first resident to die from a vaping-associated injury, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). This comes amid a nationwide outbreak of lung disease linked to vaping.
In a statement issued Wednesday, officials say there are currently 19 cases of vaping-related illness under investigation across the state, mostly among adolescents and young adults.
“While this current outbreak is being investigated, the safest option is to refrain from using any e-cigarette or vape product,” state health officer Dr. Scott Harris said in a statement. Officials also stress that residents should not buy products from unregulated sources.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 12 deaths and is investigating more than 800 cases of the illness in 46 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Those numbers do not include data from Alabama.
So far, it is not clear what is causing the potentially fatal lung injury, but it is spurring action among politicians and the medical community.
According to the CDC, no single product or substance has been linked to all cases, but findings suggest that products containing the chemical THC could play a role in the outbreak. On its website, the CDC states “most of the patients (under investigation) reported using THC-containing products or both THC-containing products and nicotine-containing products. Some of the patients reported using only nicotine-containing products.”
Officials with the ADPH are asking residents with a history of vaping or e-cigarette use to inform healthcare providers if they experience a related injury. They also want providers to report any suspected cases for further investigation. Symptoms of vaping-related illness include cough, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Correction, Oct 2, 2019: In an earlier version of this story, we said “findings suggest the chemical THC could play a role,” which could leave the impression that officials have identified THC as the culprit. We have corrected the post to clarify that “findings suggest that products containing THC could play a role.”
In Utah, a group that helped prompt the redistricting says it’s acting on faith
Mormon Women for Ethical Government was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that could overturn Utah's Republican-leaning map for U.S. House seats. That could matter in next year's elections.
Need a laptop? This retiree refurbishes laptops, gives them away to those in need
Craig Clark, 79, calls himself the "Tech Fairy." Clark spends his time refurbishing old laptops and giving them away for free to people who need them.
Renewable energy outpaces coal for electricity generation in historic first, report says
For the first time on record, renewable energy generated more electricity for the planet than coal, a new report says.
Trump’s use of National Guard strays from role as ‘minutemen,’ military experts say
Military experts say they also worry how these new deployments will affect recruitment and public trust.
59% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.’s moves as health secretary, a new poll says
A new poll shows trust in federal health policies is plummeting, and what -- or who -- people believe increasingly depends on their politics.
This 4-year-old’s heart is failing. A federal grant that might help him was canceled
A Cornell University researcher has been developing an artificial heart for children for more than 20 years. Now, his research is on hold and his lab is shut down.